Another walk down memory lane; The Southington Sports Hall of Fame announces the Class of 2013

July 27, 2013

SOUTHINGTON—The wait is over. The list is out, and the Southington Sports Hall of Fame selection committee is already championing the Class of 2013.
Once again, it features professional players, college all-Americans, and Southington High School record holders. Once again, it reads like a Who’s Who of Southington sports. They represent 10 different sports and the media.
Southington Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Dennis Stanek, Jr. said that the fourth class continues the strong tradition on inductees.
“These guys are the cream of the crop,” he said in a press release from the Southington Sports Hall of Fame. “When you talk about really fine, successful athletes in their sports, this is a list that stands up to all of our previous classes. Most of them have won state titles. Many have gone on to successful careers—some in athletics and some in other areas.”
Athletes include Ernie Blue (Basketball), Kristy Dougan (Gymnastics, Diving), Ryan Glasper (Football, Basketball), Paige Kopcza (Softball), Scott Mackie (Baseball), Megan McNicholas (Soccer, Basketball, Softball), Scott Otis (Football, Track), Michael Ryan (Cross-Country, Track, NFL Trainer), Brian Solomon (Wrestling), and Joseph Testa (Soccer).
Former SHS wrestling coach and program founder Bob Wittneben will be inducted, as well as former Southington Observer sports writer and local radio announcer Jim Senich.
These 13 individuals will join the 1978 Blue Knight wrestling team and the 2005 Lady Knight gymnastics team as the Class of 2013.
“The committee has really begun to pay close attention to the statistics when we’re picking out inductees,” said Stanek. “It’s so hard to pare down the list to just 10 athletes, and I think that this will continue to be a challenge every year.”
Once again, the Southington Observer will highlight each inductee through the summer and the fall as excitement builds for the main event. On Thursday, Nov. 14, they will be honored in an induction ceremony at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. Tickets will be available soon and will cost $50. Contact Jim Verderame at (860) 628-7335 to reserve tickets.
“This event has become a sort of class reunion for Southington sports, and every one has been beyond my expectations,” said Stanek. “It’s good to see old friends and family get together to reminisce about Southington sports. It’s been a really wonderful event for our community.”
Stanek said that there are still many worthy athletes, teams, coaches, media members, and boosters on the list for future classes.
“We don’t expect future classes to drop off because there are still so many great athletes from the past that still need to be inducted, and this community just keeps on producing great athletes,” he said. “We’ll never run dry.”
In addition, the selection committee welcomes nominations from the public. To nominate a team, player, booster, or media member, send a request along with supporting documentation and contact information to: Mike Boissonneault, 115 Panthorn Trail, Southington, CT 06489, (860) 628-5225, email – mikeboissy@cox.net.
To comment on this story or to contact sports writer John Goralski, email him at jgoralski@southingtonobserver.com.